That Is the Question!!
This famous question is what Shakespeare put in his play Hamlet. The opening statement is: to be, or not to be, that is the question: he goes on to ask: whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles and by opposing end them.
My question is, do you want to ‘BE ‘Blessed? What am I talking about you ask? I’m talking about the “Beatitudes”. Some of you may or may not be familiar with the promises in the book of Matthew which Jesus makes to his faithful followers.
According to Merriam-Webster two of the definitions of blessed are as follows: of or enjoying happiness: bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune. With these definitions in mind, it will help us understand the Beatitudes better, by replacing the word blessed with the word happy.
- Blessed (Happy) are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Happy are those who realize their need for redemption.
- Blessed (Happy) are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. It is in sorrow that God’s promises mean so much to us. Remember, that it is those who mourn over their own sins, those who are truly penitent, who find the comfort of forgiveness.
- Blessed (Happy) are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. The earth made new will be their home forever. The Lord Jesus Christ is said to have been meek, but we know what He could suffer and do.
- Blessed (Happy) are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Not through rites and ceremonies, not through good works, can any of us earn salvation. But “the just shall live by faith.”
- Blessed (Happy) are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. But the mercy of man cannot compare with the wonderful mercy of God. No matter how evil our lives are, or may have been, God’s mercy opens a door to us—the door of eternal salvation.
- Blessed (Happy) are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Sin is imperfection, and God is perfect. The two things cannot occupy the same space. Only through the blood of Jesus are we made pure and can then be in the presence of God.
- Blessed (Happy) are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. In the book of Romans, Jesus tells us to live peaceably with all men. We are to let the Love of Christ shine through us, because we are his children.
- Blessed (Happy) are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed (Happy) are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. In this political environment, we Christians are called ‘homeland terrorist’ because we adhere to the Bible teaching against sin as it is described in the Bible.
- Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the profits which were before you. As the prophets of old, anyone who preaches, teaches, or stands up for the Word of God, is ridiculed and persecuted. Society, then and now, does not want to be reminded of, or held accountable for the sins they commit. So, by getting rid of the people who remind them of those sins makes their life more comfortable.
So, we return to my question: To Be or Not to Be blessed by God? He doesn’t require much of you, just childlike faith, believing in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In believing this, accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, and receiving the Gift of eternal life. Then live your life as close to the example Christ set for us.
As parents it is our jobs to teach our children to go to the Word of God, whenever they feel as though Satan may hurling fiery darts that at them. The Bible tells us the Word of God is truth and sharper than any two-edge sword. So, by teaching them the Scriptures, we are in fact protecting them against anything the Devil throws their way.
We as writers, walk a fine line between politically correct and morally correct. The Bible tells us in James, if you are a friend of the world, you are and enemy of God. Stand up for what you know is right, not what will be popular.
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. II Peter 3:13
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3: 4-5
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. I John 3:20
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:7-9